Posted on by SMS

The civil society organizations (CSOs) and Field Offices (FOs) play major roles in the implementation of the core social protection and poverty reduction programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

This was the message of DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman during the Luzon Cluster CSOs Conference held earlier this month in Olongapo City and was participated in by 126 CSOs and FO Focal Persons for CSOs from Regions 1 to 5, NCR and CAR.

“With the help of the CSOs, we in government are able to reach and engage more people, and to connect to the Filipino communities and involve them in national development plans. The CSOs, government and citizens are all agents of change. By working together, we can make positive change happen,” Secretary Soliman stated.

DSWD Field Office III Regional Director Adelina S. Apostol delivered her welcome message to the participants.
DSWD Field Office III Regional Director Adelina S. Apostol delivered her welcome message to the participants.

DSWD’s engagement with CSOs is in keeping with the Aquino administration’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP). They serve as “gabay” (guide), “tulay” (bridge), “bantay” (watchdog) and “kaagapay” (partner) in the monitoring and implementation of core poverty reduction programs like KALAHI-CIDSS-National Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

“The CSOs help in the monitoring of the Pantawid Pamilya program and in facilitating Family Development Sessions (FDS).  They are our partners in the community ensuring that the government’s programs reach the intended beneficiaries as well as uphold transparency and accountability,” Secretary Soliman emphasized.

Participants discuss how they can effectively monitor the implementation of DSWD programs during the planning workshop.
Participants discuss how they can effectively monitor the implementation of DSWD programs during the planning workshop.

To strengthen its partnership with CSOs, DSWD conducted nationwide conferences on Pantawid Pamilya which was attended by more than 470 CSOs. These engagements resulted in mutual learning experiences on the programs and services being implemented by the Department.

“In communicating, coordinating and collaborating with our partner CSOs which serve as our voice on the ground, we can give the marginalized communities and families fighting chance for a better life and access their rights and choices as members of our nation,” Secretary Soliman explained.

“More importantly, we want the children and youth from the communities to be the movers and leaders of the Filipino society that enjoys and sustains inclusive development,” the Secretary stressed. ###